What’s up Lev! Tell us a little bit about yourself.

Heya Nick! Thanks for inviting me to do a mix for you, I’m super stoked!

I grew up on the Sunshine Coast at Coolum Beach and always had a keen interest in outdoors activities like skateboarding, bike riding, bodyboarding, and swimming at the beach. I first moved to Brisbane in 2016 so I could study at Queensland University of Technology to become an engineer. Since living in Brisbane, skateboarding has become a massive part of my life and it has introduced me to so many wonderful people. I recently graduated from my uni degree as an electrical engineer, and I plan to continue living in Brisbane as I consider it my new home.

I’ve always known you as a multi-disciplinary creative.. from the VX to music and other avenues in between. Tell us a bit about the VX days and what’s been happening with you in recent times.

When I first moved to Brisbane I started getting into skate filming because I lived with my housemate Jarrod Parker who is a very talented skateboarder. I first started filming with an old Hi-8 camera I bought from an op shop and we used to just muck around at the skatepark and film clips. I really loved using tape cameras because I was obsessed with the distorted look of the footage compared to modern cameras. Eventually my tape compartment of my Hi-8 camera stopped working so I decided I wanted to take it to the next level and import a Japanese Sony VX-1000. I loved the VX-1000 a lot because the colours you could achieve with that camera are amazing. With the right white balance setting, you could get incredible golden colours.

Recently I’ve been focusing on my own skateboarding. I’ve been skating Balmoral skatepark heaps, trying to become more comfortable in the bowl there. It’s been great fun!

Have you been working on any specific projects lately?

I haven’t been working on anything too major lately. I hope to record some new mixes soon for personal use. I have this idea that it would be awesome to create mixes for specific settings like a bushwalk at Springbrook National Park for example. I guess the process of choosing tracks is really satisfying and it gets you keen to go out and do things.

What was the inspiration behind this mix?

I find that there’s a strong connection between music and skateboarding. Having the right song playing while skateboarding can enhance the experience and make you feel amazing. The first half of the mix features many slower, downtempo tracks which I find really suited to cruisy skates. Like riding your board along the Brisbane river bikeways. The mix gradually becomes more deep-house and trance oriented which I find is perfect music for when you’re at the skatepark with friends trying to get some new tricks down!

Artists / tracks you’re feeling at the moment?

I’ve really been loving the tracks Guy Contact is producing at the moment. They’ve got some banging releases coming out soon. I’ve also really been digging the track Cruisin’ by Zopelar. Basslines are absolutely killer in that song.

Favourite things to do in your down time?

I’ve been getting back into reading which is great. I’m currently reading a book about near-earth objects which offers some pretty amazing anecdotes. I also like journaling, where I document days where I’ve done fun things which I want to remember in the years ahead. I’ve also been making small artworks here in there, usually by either collaging from magazines or drawing abstract patterns with textas.

Three interesting individuals we might not, but definitely should know about?

Maddi Hunter (@velvetpaint)– my sister Maddi is an incredible artist who specialises in so many different mediums. Watercolour, oil painting and more recently she has taken up clay sculpting. Her art style is unique and unlike anything I’ve ever seen!

Georgia Means (@muck.mag)– Georgia is a close friend of mine and artist who creates awesome digital art. Her recent project muck.mag showcases some absolutely stunning collage works. Georgia also created the artwork used for the mix tracklist. Thank you Georgia for being such a supportive friend!

Charlie Stephens (@url_c_) – Charlie is a great mate of mine who has an amazing sense for music. He has shown me many tracks and introduced me to plenty of new genres of music and I admire his deep passion for music. He showed me the basics of mixing alongside his partner Madi (Shoutout Madi for letting me use your Mixing controller!). They are true gems! Definitely check out some of Charlie’s mixes!

Favourite cameras in your possession?

My beloved Sony VX-1000 will always be my favourite camera. I’ve captured some great memories with that thing. I also love my Panasonic NV-MX7 which is a small Mini-dv camera which I can put in my tote bag. I will often bring this camera when I go on camping trips or hikes. I would also say that my Pentax ESPIO 738 is another favourite camera of mine. It’s a point and shoot film camera that I take absolutely everywhere I go. I’m honestly impressed that it still functions that’s how much I’ve used it.

Top 3 cuisines?

Japanese, Vietnamese, and Indian for sure.

3 underrated places to visit in QLD?

Dunk Island – Beautiful secluded island off the coast of Mission Beach. I’ve been lucky to camp here a few times with my partner and her family.

Girraween National Park – Mark sure to camp there and check out ‘The Pyramid’ for some stunning views of the area.

Double Island Point – A must visit if you have access to a 4WD. A sunset at Double Island Point is unlike anything else you’ll experience.

A pet hate?

unkindness.

You’re stuck on a deserted island with three guests, who are they and why?

Bear Grylls because he has all the survival knowledge. Sade because her soothing voice will keep us calm and relaxed. My partner Ruby because I love her company.

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More from Levi via @lev.mp4